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Exercise normal security precautions

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

There is no resident Canadian government office in São Tomé and Príncipe, which limits the Government of Canada in providing consular assistance to Canadian citizens in São Tomé and Príncipe. If you are confronted with an emergency, you will have to make your way to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or rely on your own resources.

Although the country is generally stable, incidents of unrest can arise occasionally. Indications of tension have recently been observed between the government and members of the São Tomé and Príncipe special police forces. You should be vigilant in these circumstances even though these incidents are relatively isolated. You are advised to avoid large crowds and demonstrations and monitor local news reports.

Armed robbery, burglary, and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in public areas such as markets, streets or near hotels, but incidents are rare. Ensure your personal belongings and your travel documents are secure. Avoid deserted beaches and poorly lit areas after dark.

Tourist facilities are limited but adequate.

Power outages occur frequently.

Telecommunications services such as mobile phone, landlines and internet access are limited, making it difficult to communicate with anyone outside the country.

Road travel

Streets in São Tomé are paved but there are many large potholes. Roads outside the capital are paved and in fair condition, but they are poorly lit and can be impassable during the rainy season. Roaming animals pose a hazard. Car rentals, with or without drivers, can be arranged through major hotels. Honking to warn of your approach is considered a normal practice. Emergency roadside services are non-existent.

Public transportation

Other than taxis, there is no public transportation. Taxi fares should be negotiated prior to departure.

There is air transportation between São Tomé and Príncipe islands but seats must be reserved in advance.

Consult our Transportation FAQ in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Health

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.

Measles

Measles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination.

Rabies

Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Schistosomiasis is caused by blood flukes (tiny worms) spread to humans through contaminated water. The eggs of the worms can cause stomach illnesses like diarrhea and cramps or urinary problems. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Avoid swimming in contaminated water. There is no vaccine available for schistosomiasis.

Travellers' diarrhea

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers’ diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria throughout the year in the whole country.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in well-screened air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.

See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss the benefits of taking antimalarial medication and to determine which one to take.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in Central Africa, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Money

The currency is the Dobra (STD). U.S. dollars, euros and CFA francs BEAC (Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale) are widely accepted. Credit cards can only be used at major international hotels. Traveller’s cheques may be cashed at hotels and at one private bank in São Tomé.

There are no automated banking machines (ABMs).

Climate

The rainy season extends from September to May. Some roads may be impassable during this period. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.